The Ultimate 7 Day Guatemala Itinerary

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Guatemala stands out as one of my favorite Central American destinations, enriched with vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and historical treasures. Having traveled there three times, I’ve been continually amazed by the incredible kindness and warmth of the Guatemalan people. With 7 days to spend in Guatemala, you can see some of the most beautiful places in the country, experience the welcoming Guatemalan culture, and have an incredible adventure.

Here is a 7 day Guatemala itinerary that takes you to the historic city of Antigua, hiking volcanos, and enjoying the beautiful nature and serenity of Lake Atitlan.

Best time to travel to Guatemala:

The best time to visit Guatemala is during the dry season, stretching from December to April. You’ll have mostly sunny days and clear skies, perfect for exploring everything from the majestic ruins of Tikal to the vibrant streets of Antigua.

While the rainy season from June to October might sound like a bummer, it actually brings a unique charm to the country, with lush landscapes and fewer crowds.

The rainiest months are typically September and October. If you are looking to hike Acatenango volcano, this is not the best time to go because it will most likely be very cloudy and obstruct your views of the volcano.

To find the sweet spot between great weather and snagging a deal, aim for the shoulder months of November and May. You might encounter a sprinkle here and there, but hey, it’s all part of the adventure, and you’ll benefit from lower prices and thinner crowds.

girl in a red dress is standing on a balcony with old buildings with red tile roofs in the background in historic Antigua, Guatemala

Is it safe to travel to Guatemala?

When it comes to safety, Guatemala is in general a safe destination for travelers. However, it’s wise to always follow basic safety tips when in any new place.

Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind during your travels in Guatemala:

Always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close to you.

Avoid walking alone late at night, especially in Guatemala City.

It’s better to travel long distances during the day, not only for safety but also to appreciate the views.

If you’re going to Lake Atitlan, using water taxis (known as ‘lanchas’) for traveling between towns is safer (and quicker) than traveling by road and offers a unique way to see the area.

These simple steps can help ensure your trip to Guatemala is safe and enjoyable.

girl in black tank top and leggings i standing in front of a giant heart made of flowers. in the background there is a lake surrounded by volcanos.

Solo female travel in Guatemala:

Having traveled solo in Guatemala three times so far, I can personally vouch for its safety and welcoming atmosphere. I felt incredibly safe and was treated with nothing but kindness during my time there.

Areas with a strong tourism infrastructure like Antigua and Lake Atitlan, in particular, felt very secure. There were many people out and about in the evenings, including families with kids, so I felt very comfortable walking around in the evening as well.

Of course, like traveling anywhere, it’s important to stay mindful and follow general safety precautions, but Guatemala truly stands out as a safe and friendly destination for solo female travelers.

Getting around in Guatemala:

Getting around in Guatemala is quite an adventure in itself, and you’ve got a few options depending on your budget and comfort preference.

If you’re looking to save some cash, hopping on a public bus, known as a “chicken bus”, will be the cheapest option. These are brightly colored, repurposed school buses. Depending on the route and the time of day, they can become very crowded and will take a bit longer since they stop a lot. But hey, it’s all part of the experience, right?

Another option to travel between destinations in Guatemala is to take a shared shuttle service. It’s more expensive than the chicken buses but you’ll get where you’re going faster and in more comfort. These will offer a direct route in an air conditioned van.

If you value the freedom to travel at your own pace, opting to rent a car is an excellent option. I’ve personally driven around Guatemala and can vouch that the main roads are in good shape. Just remember, if you’re driving, it’s best to travel during daylight hours.

there is a cobblestone street with a tall yellow arch with a clocktower in the center. this is the main street in Antigua, Guatemala.

7 Day Guatemala Itinerary:

Days 1-3 Explore Antigua

Day 1: Explore Antigua

You’ll begin your trip in Antigua a beautiful historic city and UNESCO world heritage site. With its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and views of nearby volcanoes, the city is absolutely breathtaking.

Some things to do during your time in Antigua:

Hike up Cerro de la Cruz for great views of the city and Volcan de Agua.

If you’re seeking a free activity in Antigua or a quick warm-up hike before tackling a volcano trek, consider hiking up Cerro de la Cruz. This trail offers stunning views of Antigua and the surrounding volcanoes.

To begin, walk north along Avenida 1A from the city center to reach the trailhead.

Here is the path’s starting point on Google maps:

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The trek up the hill ranges from easy to moderate, with a paved path and several steps along the way. During my visit, I saw many families with young children making the climb.

For safety reasons, it’s best to avoid visiting after dark. Plan your visit from mid-morning to afternoon when more people are enjoying the trail.

Enjoy a spa day at Casa Museo Santo Domingo.

Nestled in a former monastery turned hotel, the spa at Hotel Casa Museo Santo Domingo is a must-visit during your stay in Antigua. After hiking the Acatenango volcano, a spa day provides the perfect relief for sore muscles.

Hotel guests who book spa access rooms enjoy full access to the spa’s thermal pools and sauna. However, anyone booking a spa service can also utilize these amenities for the day.

For pricing information and special deals, visit the spa’s website, and be sure to call ahead to reserve your spa service.

Try local dishes like pepian, a popular Guatemalan stew.

What better way to immerse yourself in Guatemalan culture than through its cuisine? Before visiting the country, I hadn’t had the chance to try Guatemalan food and wasn’t sure what to expect. But from my very first bite, I was hooked!

Guatemalan cuisine is rich and flavorful, with pepian being a quintessential dish. This savory stew can be prepared with various meats such as chicken, pork, or beef, all slowly simmered in a rich sauce made from vegetables and spices.

For an authentic taste of pepian and other local specialties, La Cuevita de Los Urquizú is a fantastic restaurant to visit in Antigua’s historic center.

Visit the many historic churches in Antigua

Visiting Antigua’s historic churches is a great way to spend your time, especially if you love history or architecture. These buildings, steeped in history, offer a peaceful respite from the bustling streets. Each step in Antigua reveals its unique charm and rich culture. With nearly 40 cathedrals, churches, and convents scattered throughout the city, you could easily spend several days seeing them all.

Day 2-3: Hike Acatenango

If you are up for a challenge, one of the most memorable experiences I have had in not only Guatemala, but all of my travels, has been hiking Volcan Acatenango. I’ve hiked this volcano twice with two different tour operators. While the experience was different with each, I had an amazing experience with both companies. That being said, it is important to do your research before selecting a tour company.

Choosing a tour company:

There are several different tour companies in Antigua that offer the Acatenango overnight volcano hike.

Especially during high season, you’ll want to book this tour in advance to guarantee your spot, as it is a very popular hike and spots can sell out.

While there are some lower cost operators, you will want to do your research and ensure that the company you choose provides you with the proper gear for the windy and cold conditions. Temperatures at the top of the volcano can fall below freezing when the sun goes down so you will want the proper gear to keep you warm.

I have hiked Acatenango twice and have used two different tour operators: Old Town Outfitters and Wicho And Charlie. I enjoyed the experience with both though each company does offer different amenities.

If you are looking to join a smaller group or booking a private experience for your own small group, Old Town Outfitters will be your best choice. They provide high quality camping gear including your tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. You will need to carry your gear or you can opt to pay a porter to carry it for you.

If you would rather sleep in a cabin instead of a tent, Wicho and Charlie is a good choice. They offer both shared and private cabins. If you do not have any cold weather hiking gear with you, they also have plenty of warm hiking clothes, coats and jackets for you to borrow as well.

What to expect:

Acatenango volcano is a very challenging hike. Depending on your fitness level, you can expect the hike up to camp to take about 5-7 hours.

You can decide to also hike out to a lookout point closer to Volcan Fuego. If you opt to go with Wicho and Charlie, you can make the decision to add on this hike there for an additional cost. I like that this company gives you the option to decide after you’ve hiked to camp based on how you are feeling if you would like to continue this additional 2-3 hour hike.

Having done the additional Fuego lookout hike, I can say that it is extremely challenging, especially after having hiked all day and the weather and wind can make it quite cold especially once the sun goes down. I was not lucky enough to see Fuego erupting from the closer lookout point, but I did get a nice view of it back at camp later that night.

After a night’s rest, you will wake up around 4 am for the sunrise summit of Acatenango. The views at sunrise from on top of the volcano are unreal, you definitely don’t want to miss this experience.

(Note: there is no bathroom on the volcano, so you will need to do as the animals do when nature calls and dig a hole in the great outdoors.)

Alternative activities for days 2-3:

Hike Pacaya Volcano

If an overnight volcano hike feels too intense, consider Pacaya Volcano as a day trip alternative. This hike is much easier, taking only 2-3 hours to reach the summit. Once there, you can witness lava flows and even roast marshmallows over hot spots in the ground.

To hike Pacaya Volcano, you can easily join a group tour from Antigua. This highly rated tour includes lunch and a post-hike visit to a hot spring.

Visit Hobbitenango

For Lord of the Rings fans, Hobbitenango is not to be missed. It is a cute hotel and restaurant themed after Hobbiton. Located at the top of a hill just outside Antigua, you’ll have amazing views and great photo opps.

To get there, you can take a taxi from Antigua, or join a group tour. This ATV tour includes a visit to Hobbitenango.

Where to stay in Antigua, Guatemala

Luxury:

Images courtesy of booking.com

Hotel Casa Santo Domingo

Hotel Casa Santo Domingo is a former monastery turned luxury hotel in the heart of downtown Antigua. I have stayed here twice and always enjoy treating myself to a luxurious spa experience when I’m there. If you plan to enjoy the spa facilities, book a spa access room to be able to soak in the thermal pools or relax in the sauna any time you wish.

Mid-range:

Images courtesy of booking.com

Posada San Sebastian

One of my favorite boutique hotels in Antigua is the Posada San Sebastian. The entire hotel is furnished with exquisite antiques, making you feel like you are sleeping in a museum or have stepped back in time. It is truly one of the most unique places I have ever stayed.

The staff are incredibly kind and accommodating—they even stored our luggage before sunrise when we set off for our overnight Acatenango trek. The location is unbeatable, situated right in the heart of Antigua, within walking distance of all major attractions.

Budget:

Images courtesy of booking.com

Ojala

If you’re on a hostel dorm budget but crave the luxury of a boutique hotel, Ojala is the place for you! This hostel is one of the most stunning properties I’ve ever stayed in. The dorm beds feature mattresses that rival the comfort of my own at home. Each bed is equipped with a privacy curtain, ensuring your beauty sleep remains undisturbed. Additionally, a made-to-order breakfast, complete with coffee or tea and fresh juice, is included.

Days 4-7: Explore Lake Atitlan

How to get to Lake Atitlan from Antigua

Getting to Lake Atitlan from Antigua is very straightforward. Whether you are arriving by bus or shuttle, you will arrive in the main town along the lake, Panajachel. If you’re staying in another town, you’ll need to take a water taxi from Panajachel to where your accomodation is located.

If you will need to take a water taxi from Panajachel to another town, be sure to arrive earlier in the day to ensure that you are able to find transport.

Taking a public bus:

While certainly the cheapest option (the entire route will cost you around $6-7 USD), getting from Antigua to Panajachel by public bus (also called “chicken buses”) is a bit complicated. Unless you’ve got a lot of time and are really looking to save money, I don’t recommend this option, but rather taking a shared tourist shuttle instead.

As there is no direct bus from Antigua to Panajachel, you’ll need to take 3 or 4 buses:

Bus 1: Antigua to Chimaltenango

Bus 2: Chimaltenango to Los Encuentros

Bus 3: Los Encuentros to Solola

Bus 4: Solola to Panajachel

Depending on your transfer times, this option will take you around 4-5 hours.

Taking a shared shuttle:

Taking a shared tourist shuttle is an economical option for a solo traveler, while also a much faster and direct route between Antigua and Lake Atitlan. As shuttles often will offer a direct pick-up from your hotel or hostel, this is often a very convenient and much more comfortable option compared to the public buses.

There are many different shuttle companies with varying schedules and prices. You can expect to pay between around $20-30 USD per person for a shared shuttle.

Especially during high season (December to April), you should book your shuttle in advance to secure your preferred date and time.

Taking a private shuttle:

Another option is to take a taxi or private shuttle from Antigua to Panajachel. If you’re especially short on time, or need to leave at specific time, this may be your best option.

You can arrange a private transfer in advance, or ask your Antigua hotel to help in arranging a taxi.

Things to do in Lake Atitlan

Take a mountain biking tour

Riding through the small towns along the lake offers the chance to see a closer look of daily life. And those views—wow! The volcanoes in the background make the ride feel magical. Taking a mountain biking tour is a fantastic way to stay active while absorbing all the natural and cultural beauty of the region.

Go kayaking

You can’t visit the lake and not get out on the water!

Kayaking on Lake Atitlan is an incredibly relaxing experience. It’s s a fun way to explore different parts of the lake and enjoy the beautiful views of surrounding volcanos.

After so much hiking earlier in my Guatemala trip, my legs were grateful for the rest, allowing my arms to take over and enjoy the paddle.

Hike San Pedro Volcano

San Pedro is the smallest of the three volcanos along Lake Atitlan, though it is still a moderatly challenging hike. Plan to start early in the day, as the hike takes about 5-7 hours to complete.

There have been cases of robberies along the trail, so it is not recommended to hike alone. If you’re traveling solo (or in a small group) you can hire a guide when you pay the entrance fee or join a group tour.

Other trails to hike along the lake:

If you’ve got additional days on the lake, some other trails you can enjoy are the Rostra Maya (this one is amazing for the sunrise!), the Lower Maya Trail from Santa Cruz to San Marcos, or visit the Reserva Natural Atitlan to hike to the Catarata Waterfall.

Where to stay in Lake Atitlan